Another Iowa Flatlander and I started out early (0030) to make sure that we beat any late season T-storms. We met quite a few people on the trail (mostly passing our slow rear ends), but most of them turned around at the keyhole due to high winds. As we only get out to Colorado once a year and felt comfortable with the conditions, we continued on. After numerous breaks to "catch our breath", we made the summit. We enjoyed the great views and were the last ones off the summit that day. On the way down, we commented that the we were lucky that the crowds everyone talks about were not present. At the ranger station we found out that only 20 people had summited that day. That night it snowed enough to keep the "Non-Technical" folks like us off the mountian. 14er #11

Haliku and I had been talking about this one for a while. It was a long day, but reaching the summit was well worth the effort. Haliku lead most of the way and kicked steps like a champ. While ascending, we’d stop occasionally to look down the Trough to catch views of Glacier Gorge and the Spearhead - stunning.

This was the first somewhat challenging climb I did. I have dreams about this mountain, but now they are on the other side. When I return to Colorado I hope to hit Kiener's, Dream Weaver on Meeker, and eventually some Diamond routes. Big Talk.

This was the 1st Colorado 14er of my 7 day outing in this state, during which I tackled 11 peaks. Great first attempt, setup an illegal camp site in the backcountry, met up with some guys from the midwest en route, and together we joined forces to tackle this route and this peak. Crowded on the way down.

This was the first fourteener I climbed, so it's a sentimental favorite. We camped at the Boulderfield the night before. Wildfires in Idaho made it slightly hazy, but the views were still great. The perch at the top of the Trough is one of the neatest places I've ever been. Longs is a truly magnificent mountain.

Got 3/4 of the way up the trough, and got caught in a afternoon thunderstorm. We decided to turn around, and head back down. Should have started early, and not gone with such a big group as they were very slow.

Drove from Indiana nonstop to Estes Park...Camped in Goblin's Forest that night...Camped in Boulder Field the second day...Successful to the summit and back down the third day...It was cold(12F) but bearable, very strong winds, storm at summit about 12:00pm, visibility was very little to none, ice on all the rock...had to use crampons and pick from the keyhole to summit and back to keyhole...very challenging

Great, long day. Left the car around 4:00am, returned around 4:30pm. Took an hour long break while rehydrating at the bottom of the Boulderfield. Wife did great...her first 'big' mountain. Next year I'll try Keiners.